Nothing screams autumn quite like a pumpkin spice latte! These seasonal coffee shop lattes can contain a lot of sugar, but now you can make your own Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte, and it's a lot easier than you might think. Plus, you don't have to leave the house to get one either!
As the leaves start turning brown and falling to the ground, the air is getting crisp and it starts to get darker earlier, that must mean it is time to start thinking about coffee shop seasonal drinks and all thinks pumpkin! At this time of year it is all about the PSL (that's pumpkin spice latte to me and you).
While we are big fans of going out for a coffee, it can be nice to stay at home and make your own version too - especially when it is this easy. If you can make a version that is lower in calories than those you buy in coffee shops, then we're all for that!
If you are looking for other pumpkin recipes to try, then why not try our Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, Creamy Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Pie Porridge or Pumpkin Overnight Oats.
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Why you will love it
- Low in calories - There are just 245 calories per serving, which is lower than a coffee shop version. You could use skimmed milk to lower the calories too.
- Really easy to make - You just whisk all the syrup ingredients together and reduce on the hob and mix it with coffee and steam milk.
- Can easily be made vegan - Swap the skimmed milk for a plant based alternative to make this vegan.
- Money saving - So much cheaper that buying a coffee shop pumpkin spice latte.
Ingredients needed
- Maple syrup - This is where all the sweetness comes from. You could swap it for honey, however we think the maple syrup gives it that classic autumnal flavour.
- Water - This is a main part of the syrup.
- Spices - We used ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger for those classic PSL flavours. Feel free to adjust them to suit your own tastes.
- Pumpkin - This is the star of the recipe. We used pumpkin puree in a tin, but you could make your own puree if you prefer - Pumpkin Puree Recipe.
- Vanilla - This adds a lovely warmth and brings out all the other flavours. Make sure you use vanilla extract and not essence.
- Coffee - You want an espresso for this. You could use cold brew if you wanted to make an iced pumpkin spice latte.
- Milk - We used skimmed milk, but any milk will work.
- Squirty cream and cinnamon for serving (optional)
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make a pumpkin spice latte - step by step
One: Put all the syrup ingredients into a bowl.
Two: Mix well. Put in a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened a little.
Three: Add a shot of espresso to each cup and stir in 3 tablespoons of syrup.
Four: Stir in hot steamed milk.
Five: Top with cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Healthy benefits of pumpkin
Pumpkins are great for carving, you can turn them in to purée to make a delicious pie, but did you know that they have so many wonderful health benefits too? One portion has more than 200% of your RDA of vitamin A which is great for your eye site. They are packed full of fibre which means you will stay fuller for longer.
The seeds can help with heart health, as they can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. So when you make this, don't throw away the seeds - bake them and snack on them.
Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C an a good source of Vitamin E, iron and folate. It's nutrient dense and low in calories, making it perfect for making a healthy and filling soup.
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Whilst the Starbucks version is totally delicious and a regular part of our October routine, the ingredients list in our homemade version is much smaller. Just a can of pumpkin puree, some maple syrup and spices are all you need to make the syrup.
We don't add any salt to ours like Starbucks does, or any kind of colouring. We have tried to keep the ingredients list as small as possible, but still with maximum flavour.
A coffee shop Pumpkin Spice Latte is about 400 calories, whereas our healthier version is just 245 calories.
What to serve with a pumpkin spice latte
Want something else sweet to serve these pumpkin spice lattes with? We have got you covered! Why not try one of these:
- Apple Turnovers
- Cinnamon Swirls
- Healthy Flapjacks
- Orange Drizzle Cake
- Biscoff Mug Cake
- Almond Butter Cookies
- Easy Banana Cake
- Gingerbread Cupcakes
FAQs
We are really loving the canned pumpkin puree at the moment as it is just pure pumpkin with no additives, preservatives or any other nasties. It is near impossible to find in supermarkets in the UK, but you can order it from Amazon and it's fairly cheap too.
When mixed with some pure maple syrup and spices, it makes the most amazing syrup that is perfect for your coffee. We topped ours with some low fat whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon, but the drink is just as good without the cream too.
If you use a plant based milk alternative, then these can be vegan.
As long as you make sure that there is no cross contamination, these can be gluten free.
These are best served immediately.
It tastes like autumn! Whilst you do get a little bit of pumpkin flavour, the main flavour is the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
You would need to swap the espresso for cold brew coffee.
Yes, you can make a double batch of the syrup and then keep it in the fridge in an air tight container.
More drink recipes
If you’ve tried this homemade pumpkin spiced latte, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 125 ml Maple syrup
- 100 ml Water
- 3 tablespoon Pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 4 shots Espresso shot
- 1.5 litre Skimmed milk
Instructions
- Put all the syrup ingredients into a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened a little.125 ml Maple syrup, 100 ml Water, 3 tablespoon Pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon Ground ginger, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- Add a shot of espresso to each cup and stir in 3 tablespoon of syrup.4 shots Espresso shot
- Stir in hot steamed milk and top with cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.1.5 litre Skimmed milk
Notes
- Make a big batch of this and it will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
- You can make this vegan by using almond, oat or cashew milk instead of semi-skimmed and using a soy cream on top or just leave it out completely.
- You can buy pumpkin puree from Amazon if you can't find it in UK supermarkets.
Eileen
This is such a delicious recipe! This was my first pumpkin spice latte and now it is one of my favorite's! Thx
Claudia Lamascolo
Hello Danielle I am going to make this one Wednesday for our Halloween Gathering I think its perfect and its really chilly here in Florida thanks for the recipe
Leslie
You have my attention! I love my pumpkin spice latte, but I need something lighter. That way, I can drink more!
Ellen
I can't even begin to tell you how much money this will save us. My husband love PSL's!
Debra
Thank you so much for creating a healthy recipe for my beloved pumpkin latte. Super simple to make and I am saving money and my health by not going out every day for a fix. Not to mention I get to stay in my PJs at home! Awesome.
Kelly Anthony
Love the fact that I don't have to leave the house to get my favorite drink for fall. Thanks for the recipe!
Danielle
Yum! This looks so much better than the Starbucks version. You have me craving one now!
Dami
Wow this looks insanely tasty. Thank you
Raju puwviya
Hi, very nice article
thank you for posting, keep up the good work.
danielle
I love PSLs, but don't love the huge calorie count. I love that you lightened this up and made it easy to make at home!
kim
These look irresistible! I love that you used real pumpkin and gave easy-to-follow instructions. Can't wait to give it a try!
Claudia Lamascolo
Isnt this a great season and you sure kicked it up with this spicy delicious latte we love this drink and I havent had my fix yet this year! That looks great!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This looks amazing - I don't think autumn is fully here until I've had a pumpkin spice latte!
Shashi at SavorySpin
WOA - That syrup is gold! I'd LOVE that not just in a latte but even on my toast! yum!
Noel Lizotte
I love your recipe! So wholesome yet indulgent.
We are great coffee drinkers also, but my husband hates going out for coffee ... I think it's the principle of paying $4-6 for a cup that he can have at home ... because he drinks his straight black.
Elaine
I love this lighter version! Getting ready to make a batch of syrup for the fridge. Thanks for a great recipe.
Pam Greer
I don't know what I want more, the pumpkin spice latte or those cute mugs! I love that you made a healthier version!
Patty K-P
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I'm so excited to wake up to PSL every morning without standing in line!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites
I would so much rather make a healthier latte like this one than buy one - sounds absolutely perfect!
Sherri
I absolutely love that this pumpkin spice latte is made with maple syrup rather than refined sugar! Definitely have to give this healthier version a try this fall! :)